Paramedic needed for Bethel patients

This past year, 40 percent of our calls had the paramedic on the ambulance with the patient; far more than 1 percent to 5 percent.

Without a paramedic based in Bethel, the average paramedic response time was 15 minutes.

Frequently, we had to intercept with the paramedic while en route to the hospital. There have been times the paramedic was too far away to intercept with the ambulance.

Unfortunately, we have had no control over the regional paramedic contract. It has been controlled by politicians who have little or no interest in advice from those of us in the field.

As a result, the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department is in the process of getting its own paramedic. This is a great step in improving the quality of care to our patients.

Over the years that I have been an emergency medical technician in the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department, I have seen our authorized skill levels reduced, although we are still certified to perform them.

The net result is that over these years, we have had an increased need for the paramedic to perform advanced lifesaving skills.

While I am trained to perform my duties alone in the field, I am limited in what I am allowed to do by local medical direction protocols and state statutes.

I suggest you contact people with the facts before you publicize your lack of knowledge, unless you want to sound like a fool.